Bachata Bliss Weekender
February 3, 2026
Tropical Getdown
July 20, 2026
Day of the Dead returns to Nelson!
Sunday, November 1, 2026
Eagles Hall | 641 Baker Street, Nelson
FREE • BY DONATION • FAMILY-FRIENDLY
Day of the Dead returns to Nelson for its 4th year!
Rooted in the Mexican tradition of Día de Muertos, this multicultural community celebration brings people together through art, culture, food, music and dance, while creating space to explore memory, ancestry, remembrance and connection across cultures.
EVENT SCHEDULE
2:00–4:30 PM | Food & Community Market
Come early and explore a delicious mix of foods alongside local makers and community vendors.
Throughout the event | Art & Cultural Installations
Experience works exploring memory, ancestry, identity, remembrance and connection.
Around 5:00 PM | Live Music & Dance Performances
Gather with us for an evening of live music and dance featuring local artists and community groups.
Arts, crafts & family activities will also be happening throughout the celebration.
ART & CULTURAL INSTALLATIONS
This year's installations bring together different artistic and cultural perspectives on memory, ancestry, identity, remembrance and connection.
Featuring:
Erin Thomson
Katherine van der Veen
Krista Varsakis
Nick Toner
Surya Gonella
Explore the installations throughout the event and discover the different stories, traditions and perspectives each artist brings to the celebration.
FOOD & COMMUNITY MARKET
2:00–4:30 PM
Come hungry! This year's market brings together foods, makers and community offerings from across our region.
Food:
Nithin Mon — Indian Fusion
LoriCakes — Tres Leches Cake & Cupcakes
Ma’iz Authentic Mexican Street Food — Tamales & Quesabirrias
Kateryna Melnyk — Argentine Empanadas
Kassandra Garcia — Elotes Estilo Mexicano
Danisi — Cheesecakes
Rico Catering — Colombian Arepas
Erika Cuevas — Burritos & Tacos
Community Market:
Amogha Gonella — Handmade Memory Tokens
Emily Newbery — Sourdough Items
Food quantities may be limited, so we recommend arriving early!
LIVE MUSIC & DANCE
Starting around 5:00 PM
Celebrate with an evening of live music and dance featuring:
Dance Fusion
Gisele & Heather
Maiz and Maple
Nelson Tango
Sammy Jade
Sophie Barbarics
Tapatía Collective
+ more to come!
From dance performances to live music, this part of the evening brings us together through movement, rhythm and celebration.
FAMILY ACTIVITIES
Day of the Dead is a family-friendly celebration for all ages.
Come explore arts and crafts, creative activities, installations, food, music and dance together throughout the afternoon and evening.
WANT TO BE PART OF IT?
We're looking for volunteers!
Want to help bring Day of the Dead to life? We're looking for community members to help with set-up, activities, event support and clean-up.
ABOUT DAY OF THE DEAD
Rooted in the Mexican tradition of Día de Muertos, Day of the Dead creates space to remember those who came before us while celebrating the stories, traditions and connections that continue through us.
Our Nelson celebration also creates space for different cultural and artistic perspectives to explore memory, ancestry, remembrance and connection, bringing our community together through art, food, music, dance and shared experiences.
At its heart, this is a celebration of memory, culture, creativity and community.
WITH GRATITUDE
Day of the Dead 2026 is made possible with the support of our funders, community partners, artists, performers, vendors and volunteers.
With support from:
Columbia Basin Trust
Columbia Kootenay Cultural Alliance (CKCA)
Columbia Power
Nelson Remedy’s Rx Pharmacy
We’re incredibly grateful for their support in helping bring this multicultural community celebration to life.